यः शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारतः।न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम्।।16.23।।
yaḥ śāstra-vidhim utsṛjya vartate kāma-kārataḥ; na sa siddhim avāpnoti na sukhaṁ na parāṁ gatim
Translation
Those who act under the impulse of desire, discarding the injunctions of the scriptures, attain neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme goal in life.
Word Meanings
yaḥ — anyone who; śāstra‑vidhim — the regulations of the scriptures; utsṛjya — giving up; vartate — remains; kāma‑kārataḥ — acting whimsically in lust; na — never; saḥ — he; siddhim — perfection; avāpnoti — achieves; na — never; sukham — happiness; na — never; parām — the supreme; gatim — perfectional stage.
Understanding the Verse
In this verse of Chapter 16, Lord Krishna illuminates the disastrous consequences of abandoning the scriptural code of conduct in favor of fleeting desires. The word “yaḥ” refers to any individual who, after having received the guidance of the śāstras, deliberately “utsṛjya” – casts aside – the prescribed rules (śāstra‑vidhi). Such a person “vartate” – remains – in a state governed by “kāma‑kārataḥ”, i.e., driven by sensual cravings and personal whims. By juxtaposing the scriptural injunctions with the lure of desire, the verse stresses that true progress is conditional upon adherence to dharma, not on the satisfaction of momentary urges.
The verse proceeds with a triple negation: “na sa siddhim avāpnoti”, “na sukhaṁ”, “na parām gatim”. “Siddhi” denotes the highest spiritual perfection, “sukha” the worldly and transcendental happiness, and “parā gati” the ultimate liberation (moksha). Krishna makes clear that a person who discards the Vedic discipline cannot attain any of these prized states. The logical flow is that the abandonment of dharma leads to internal dissonance, which obstructs the cultivation of inner virtues essential for spiritual ascent.
The broader context of Chapter 16 deals with the distinction between the “divine qualities” (daivi sampad) and the “demoniac qualities” (āśūri sampad). Verse 23 pinpoints a core demoniac tendency – the reckless pursuit of personal pleasure at the cost of moral order. This tendency is not merely a social faux pas; it is a spiritual disease that erodes the soul’s capacity to progress toward liberation. In the karmic framework of the Gita, actions rooted in unregulated desire generate binding results (bāndha) that tether the soul to the cycle of birth and death.
From a practical standpoint, the verse serves as a cautionary reminder for contemporary readers. In an age saturated with instant gratification, the temptation to ignore ethical precepts in pursuit of personal ambition is ever‑present. Krishna’s admonition urges individuals to regularly realign with the scriptures—whether through study, contemplation, or the guidance of a guru—to prevent the drift into desire‑driven living. By maintaining fidelity to dharma, one safeguards the path toward lasting contentment and ultimate freedom.
Moreover, the verse subtly underlines the symbiotic relationship between external conduct and inner transformation. The “śāstra‑vidhi” are not merely external regulations but are designed to purify the mind, temper the senses, and cultivate discernment (viveka). When these are neglected, the mind remains clouded by “kāma”, impeding clear perception and the ability to make choices aligned with the higher Self. Hence, the verse encapsulates a profound psychological insight: the abandonment of disciplined practice leads to a fragmented self, incapable of experiencing true peace or liberation.
In summary, Bhagavad Gītā 16.23 presents a stark warning: forsaking scriptural wisdom for desire blocks every avenue to spiritual success—be it perfection, happiness, or the supreme goal. The verse compels seekers to honor the timeless teachings of the śāstras, ensuring that their actions are rooted in dharma, thereby paving the way for genuine fulfillment and eventual liberation.
